Entertainment Briefs June 29, 2010
Vince Neil hit with DUI charge in Las Vegas
LAS VEGAS - Police say Motley Crue singer Vince Neil was arrested in Las Vegas on a drunken driving charge.
The 49-year-old rocker was being held at the Clark County jail pending a court appearance after his arrest early Monday. It wasn't immediately clear if Neil had an attorney.
Las Vegas police confirmed the arrest, but didn't immediately have further details.
Method Man pleads guilty?to tax-evasion
NEW YORK - Hip-hop star Method Man pleaded guilty to a tax-evasion charge Monday, writing a check on the spot for the final $40,000 restitution payment after owing about $106,000.
The former Wu-Tang Clan member was arrested Oct. 9 on charges he failed to pay state and personal income taxes. He pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted failure to pay tax.
He was sentenced to a conditional discharge, which means the arrest will be purged from his record if he stays out of trouble.
"When he found out about the tax issue he hired someone and immediately corrected it," defense attorney Peter Frankel said. "He took care of it quickly like the good member of our community he is."
The musician, actor and artist, who lives on Staten Island and whose real name is Clifford Smith, failed to file tax returns for 2004 through 2007, prosecutors said. The most he owed for one year was $32,799.
Prosecutors said when people cheat on their taxes, other New Yorkers have to foot the cost.
"In these days of massive budget shortfalls and service cuts, tax evasion is a crime against all New Yorkers," Richmond County District Attorney Daniel Donovan said. "Whether you are a celebrity or an average Joe, you will be investigated, arrested and prosecuted."
In 2007, Method Man was arrested on a minor drug charge and was ordered to visit 15 city high schools to warn students about the dangers of drugs.
Method Man won a Grammy in 1995 for best rap performance by a group or duo with Mary J. Blige for "I'll Be There For You/You're All That I Need." He also had a recurring role on the critically-acclaimed HBO series "The Wire" and wrote a self-titled graphic novel.
Actor Rob Lowe to write memoir
LOS ANGELES - Rob Lowe is taking on a new role: author.
Publisher Henry Holt and Co. says it will release the 46-year-old actor's memoir in May 2011.
The actor is handling the writing duties on "Stories I Only Tell My Friends," which details his experiences as an actor and father.
Lowe became a teen heartthrob in 1983's "The Outsiders" and has amassed more than three dozen film credits since then.
- The Associated Press